Vanagoneers;

Today I received my '87 GL's 'birth certificate' from VW (thanks, whoever
posted this info).
In comparing the engine number with what's in my Vanagon I noticed the
following:

Left the factory with engine number: MV 014 270
Engine number currently in my Van: MV 017 240 *  (notice the asterisk)

Obviously the two don't agree but they're so close that I'm wondering if VW
made a typo - except for the aforementioned asterisk.
Does this designation with an asterisk stamped after the engine number mean
that it's a rebuilt engine?

Sam Bateman
Fork Union, VA
'87 Vanagon GL